Position Summary:

Benefits play a key role in Waggener Edstrom’s overall Total Rewards program.  The purpose of the Benefits Analyst role is to: Administer and communicate the company’s benefits program plan options including 401(k), features and enrollment requirements. Assist employees with benefit claim administration and leave inquiries. Evaluate data, trends and competitive position of the Company’s benefits programs.  Analyze cost containment strategies. Work with external vendors as needed in administration and billing of plan.  Ensure company compliance with federal and state laws governing benefits practices. Assist in oversight of international benefit programs and ensure alignment with global total rewards philosophy.  This role could sit either in or Portland or Seattle office.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Manage annual projects like Open Enrollment including employee communication and training (when needed).

·         Support ad hoc projects like benefit vendor sourcing, Total Rewards statements, wellness initiatives.

·         Oversee benefits communications including: benefits portion of company intranet, emails, benefit handbook, plan documents.

·         Conduct benchmarking analysis using appropriate source data and industry comparators.

·         Provide technical research, plan interpretation and educational support to Regional HR representatives. Develops, and delivers training as needed.

·         Assist with employee issues (which can include working with the employee, HR Business Partner, and/or external vendor).

·         Provide project support and analysis on international benefit programs as needed.

·         Process US monthly benefit vendor self-billing reporting process and partner in monthly payroll liability reconciliation as related to benefit withholdings.

·         Facilitate the administration of COBRA:  create, maintain, and track COBRA documents; process paperwork and notify vendors of enrollees/changes/terminations; notify vendors of COBRA pending status; track monthly reporting to AP/Payroll of payments received.

·         Oversee relationship with leave administration vendor. Manage leave benefit questions for employees, including FMLA, medical, disability and other general leaves of absence.

·         Develop and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform position responsibilities. Stay abreast of current trends and regulatory issues surrounding benefit plan design and administration.

·         Opportunity to support compensation and global assignment areas.

·         Perform other work-related assignments as requested.

Education & Experience:

·         Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Preferred: Bachelor’s in Business Administration and/or related professional courses/certification (CEBS, WorldatWork).

·         2+ years benefits analyst/administration experience. 5+ years professional work experience.

Required Skills:

·         Strong computer proficiency. Intermediate or above skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, & Word.

·         Knowledgeable in HR and all types of benefit plans and administration, external vendor management.

·         Demonstrated knowledge of laws and regulations impacting employee benefits, including but not limited to ADEA, COBRA, FMLA, ERISA, EGTRRA, HIPAA, ARRA.

·         Excellent communication, organization, planning and interpersonal skills.  Strong customer service orientation.

·         Strong written communication skills including exceptional grammar and proofreading ability.

·         Demonstrated problem solving and analytical ability.

·         Ability to prioritize work, handle multiple tasks, set goals and consistently deliver timely and accurate products and services.

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) is a global, integrated communications agency. For more than 25 years, the independently owned firm has developed strategic communications programs for innovative and world-changing clients, working to influence markets, inspire people and improve lives. In 2009, WE was named one of Oregon Business’ 100 Best Companies to Work For. WE was also named European Technology Agency of the Year in 2008 and Best Large Agency to Work For by the Holmes Report in 2006. WE has earned numerous honors for its outstanding work on behalf of clients, for its exceptional people, and for its innovation in communications. The agency has more than 800 employees in 16 offices around the world, and its Global Alliance program expands the agency's reach to 13 additional international markets. WE offers six global practices: Consumer Marketing, Corporate Communications, Social Innovation, Healthcare, Public Affairs and Technology.

Our greatest asset at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide is our people. We place a high premium on those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. And when we find them, we’re committed to providing an Innovation Workplace with compelling work and work environments that encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration, professional development, outstanding total rewards, and an opportunity to make a difference.

OFFICES:
The global agency is headquartered in Seattle with wholly-owned offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Dallas, Hong Kong, London, Munich, New York City, Paris, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore and Washington, D.C.

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide believes its people are its greatest asset. The company offers outstanding professional development and competitive compensation and benefits.  Please submit your resume (in a Word document only please) via our website at http://jobs-waggeneredstrom.icims.com/jobs/3941/job